If you’ve ever been torn between a rich slice of cheesecake and a crisp, nutty piece of baklava, you’re in luck—this Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookie recipe brings the best of both worlds together in a bite-sized treat. Wrapped in flaky phyllo dough, filled with tangy cheesecake, sprinkled with crunchy nuts, and finished with a sweet honey drizzle, these cookies are a celebration of texture and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
Unlike traditional baklava, which can be time-consuming and overly sweet for some, these cookies simplify the process while delivering all the flavor. They borrow the spiced nutty profile of baklava, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the satisfying crispness of phyllo dough—drizzled with warm honey for the perfect final touch.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 package of phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (or pistachios for a twist)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
How to Make Baklava Cheesecake Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush with butter. Layer another sheet on top. Repeat until 4–5 sheets are stacked.
- Cut the phyllo stack into 2-inch wide strips.
- Spoon a teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture onto one end of each strip. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Fold into triangles or roll into mini logs.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- While baking, gently heat honey with a pinch of cloves in a small saucepan.
- Once baked, drizzle cookies generously with warm honey.
- Serve warm, and enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!
Serving Ideas & Occasions
These cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday dessert platters
- Afternoon tea with a twist
- Gifting in decorative boxes
- Or as part of a Middle Eastern-inspired feast
Variations You Can Try
- Use pistachios or almonds for a flavor twist
- Add a drop of rose water or orange blossom to the honey
- Make them mini by cutting phyllo into smaller strips
- For a healthier take, use sugar-free honey or maple syrup
Tips for Working with Phyllo Dough
Phyllo is delicate, but don’t let that intimidate you:
- Always thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.
- Be generous with butter to get that golden crunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
- These cookies are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- You can also assemble them in advance and bake just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert merges two cultural icons—Baklava and Cheesecake—into one modern cookie you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with nostalgic flavor, all wrapped in a satisfyingly crisp shell.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean sweets or just love trying something new in the kitchen, these Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle will steal the show. Their elegant appearance makes them perfect for entertaining, while their approachable prep means you don’t need to be a pastry chef to master them.
Ready to impress your guests or treat yourself? Start layering that phyllo!